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The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has confirmed that 15 people — including 11 children aged between 2 and 14 — lost their lives in a boat accident near Kete Krachi on Saturday.
In a statement released on its Facebook page on Sunday, October 12, the Authority revealed that the boat, which was reportedly heavily overloaded, overturned while crossing the Volta Lake. Four adults were among the deceased, while four others were rescued.
Describing the tragedy as “heartbreaking,” the GMA expressed its “deepest and most heartfelt condolences” to the affected families and the Kete Krachi community.
To help prevent similar incidents in the future, the Authority outlined several immediate measures:
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Launching a comprehensive investigation with the involvement of maritime inspectors and the Navy Task Force to determine the cause and ensure accountability.
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Establishing a high-level Casualty Investigations Committee, in partnership with the Ministry of Transport, to recommend urgent policy changes.
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Strengthening enforcement operations on the Volta Lake, targeting overloaded boats and operators who disregard safety rules.
The GMA further urged residents and passengers to exercise caution by refusing to board overcrowded boats or those without life jackets, emphasizing that “saying no could save a life, especially that of a child.”
The Authority reaffirmed its dedication to improving safety across Ghana’s inland water transport system.
Source: myghanadaily
